<
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/article/2024/jul/29/im-scared-im-going-to-die-a-rising-number-of-australians-are-sleeping-rough-as-the-housing-crisis-bites>
"For the past 10 years, Susan has been sleeping rough. The signs show on her
body – a year-old wound that refuses to heal, small cuts that won’t mend,
regular arthritis flare-ups and stress lines across her face.
Even as Melbourne’s frigid weather sets in, she sleeps in alleyways and parks.
But rain is forecast for the next few days, and Susan is $365 away from having
a roof over her head.
Susan is one of thousands of Australians sleeping rough this winter. They
shelter in tents, parks or campgrounds, shield against the wind in doorways and
sleep in cars parked in secluded places. This year has been tough: parts of
Australia have had record cold temperatures; ice, wind and rain have badgered
the southern states – and more bad weather is forecast.
Some people migrate to Queensland in search of milder weather or ask friends if
they can stay for a night. Many who stay down south get sick from the cold.
“I’m on all the lists,” Susan says, speaking about the public housing register.
“I’ve been sleeping rough 10 years, off and on … This is what happens when you
come from a domestic violence relationship. And you have a dog.”
Susan’s dog, Sandy, is old, arthritic and angry. The 17-year-old doesn’t like
to be patted. Getting into emergency accommodation with a pet is difficult at
the best of times. There is only one shelter in Victoria that will take people
with pets, and it becomes impossible if your dog has behavioural issues. But
Susan doesn’t want to be without her dog. Sandy keeps her alive and gives her a
reason to keep going, Susan says.
If Susan can scrape together enough money from begging, she can stay in a
pet-friendly motel for $150 a night or $400 a week, plus a key deposit.
Otherwise, she sleeps outside."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
